baldcypress
Taxodium distichum

Baldcypress is a deciduous conifer common to low-lying, often swampy terrain in the U.S. southeast. The wood of baldcypress is relatively decay resistant and serves a variety of purposes. Baldcypress dominated ecosystems are typically rich in wildlife diversity.

Light
Bald cypress is intermediate in shade tolerance and this allows for regeneration by shelterwood, seed-tree, group selection, and clearcutting methods. Upland and away from saturated sites, removal of competition for first few years is advised.

Water Baldcypress is most often found in permanent swamps, although if competition is removed it may survive in a variety of conditions.

Growth

Size
A large tree with a pyramid-shaped crown, cylindrical bole, fluted or buttressed base and often with knees.

Fun Facts
Cypress wood is rot resistant and slow growingresulting in tremendous longevity. The oldest known baldcypress is over 1600 years old. Cypress "knees" grow upward from the roots in flooded situations. The function of these knees is unknown but may assist in supplying oxygen to submerged root systems. Baldcypress trees are enjoyed ornamentally as far north as Syracuse, New York.